US Bridges

State Route 178 over Cottonwood Creek

Fair

Kern County, California · 06-KER-178-R11.66 · Structure no. 50 0047

Built
1993
32 years old
Condition
Fair
inspected November 2024
Type
Box Beam or Girders - Multiple
Prestressed Concrete Continuous
Length
357 ft
3 main spans
Daily traffic
4,350
2009 count
Owner
State
State Highway Agency

About this bridge

State Route 178 over Cottonwood Creek is a prestressed concrete continuous box beam or girders - multiple carrying State Route 178 over Cottonwood Creek in Kern County, California. It was built in 1993, so it is 32 years old, younger than the California average of 54.8 years.

The most recent inspection reported to the Federal Highway Administration rates it in fair condition with a lowest component rating of 6 out of 9. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

It carries about 4,350 vehicles a day, projected to reach 14,452 by 2044. The structure is 357 ft (108.8 m) long and 43 ft wide. If it were closed, the detour would be 44.7 mi (72 km).

Location

Open in Google Maps
CarriesState Route 178
CrossesCottonwood Creek
Location06-KER-178-R11.66
RouteState Highway 178
CountyKern County
StateCalifornia
Coordinates35.42282, -118.8218
Functional classRural Principal Arterial - Other

Condition and inspection

Fair

The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound.

ComponentRatingMeaning
Deck7 GoodSome minor problems.
Superstructure8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Substructure6 SatisfactoryStructural elements show some minor deterioration.
Channel and channel protection8 Very GoodNo problems noted.
Last inspectionNovember 2024
Inspection intervalevery 48 months
Operating statusOpen, no restriction
ScourFoundations stable; scour above top of footing
Structural evaluation6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Deck geometry6: Equal to present minimum criteria
Waterway adequacy9: Superior to present desirable criteria
Approach roadway alignment8: Equal to present desirable criteria
Operating rating59.6 US tons
Inventory rating35.7 US tons

Structure

Structure typeBox Beam or Girders - Multiple
MaterialPrestressed Concrete Continuous
DeckConcrete, cast-in-place
Main spans3
Design loadHS 20 + Mod
Structure length357 ft (108.8 m)
Longest span141 ft (43 m)
Deck width43 ft (13.2 m)
Roadway width40 ft (12.2 m)
Vertical clearance over deckUnrestricted

Traffic and service

Average daily traffic4,350 (2009)
Projected traffic14,452 by 2044
Trucks0%
Lanes on structure2
Traffic directionTwo-way traffic
CarriesHighway
CrossesWaterway
Detour if closed44.7 mi (72 km)
TollOn a free road
National Highway SystemYes

Ownership and planned work

OwnerState Highway Agency
Maintained byState Highway Agency
Historic statusNot eligible for the National Register of Historic Places
Work proposedNone recorded
Estimated improvement cost—
NavigationNo navigation control on waterway

Frequently asked questions

When was State Route 178 over Cottonwood Creek built?

It was built in 1993, making it 32 years old in 2025.

What condition is State Route 178 over Cottonwood Creek in?

The National Bridge Inventory rates it in fair condition. The lowest-rated primary component is rated 5 or 6. Minor deterioration is present but the structure is sound. The last reported inspection was in November 2024.

How much traffic does State Route 178 over Cottonwood Creek carry?

About 4,350 vehicles per day (2009 count).

How long is State Route 178 over Cottonwood Creek?

The structure is 357 ft (108.8 m) long with a longest span of 141 ft (43 m) and a deck 43 ft wide.

Who owns State Route 178 over Cottonwood Creek?

It is owned by the State Highway Agency.